Places to Visit on the European Side of Istanbul
Istanbul, with its thousands of years of history as a meeting point of civilizations, is one of the most important cultural cities in the world. The Bosphorus, with its strategic location connecting two continents, has been a home for civilizations in this unique geography throughout history.
Even in periods when transportation facilities were not yet developed, it acted as a natural bridge, paving the way for the cultural and economic development of the region. The city is divided into the European and Anatolian sides, which allows each side to showcase its unique heritage.
Thanks to its deep-rooted history, Istanbul has a rich cultural heritage, impressive architecture, and a colorful ethnic structure. This texture is felt on both sides, resulting in streets full of history, impressive buildings, and traces of past civilizations that have survived to this day. The European side, with its many famous districts such as Beşiktaş, Karaköy, Sirkeci, Bebek, İstinye, and Sarıyer, offers a treasure to be discovered. However, the beauties on this side are so extensive that it is almost impossible to fully experience them in just a short vacation.
The charm of the European side is not limited to its history alone. With its pristine urban forests, magnificent architecture, and mouthwatering flavors, it promises visitors both an enjoyable and unforgettable trip.
This side of the city, which held immense importance throughout the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, especially during the Ottoman era, offers countless routes to explore. Along with all this, the European side of Istanbul offers every visitor a captivating cultural journey.
Places to visit on the European side
- 500th Anniversary Foundation Turkish Jewish Museum
- Arnavutköy
- Atatürk Arboretum
- Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
- Bakırköy
- Balat
- Bebek Beach
- Belgrad Forest
- Beyazıt Mosque and Tower
- Beyazıt Square
- Beylikdüzü
- Bozdoğan Aqueduct (Valens Aqueduct)
- Büyük Mecidiye Mosque
- Büyükçekmece Lake
- Çemberlitaş Bath and Çemberlitaş Column
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- Dolmabahçe, Beşiktaş
- Eminönü Square
- Emirgân Grove
- Fatih Municipality Yedikule Fortress
- Florya Sun Beach
- Galata Tower
- Gülhane Park
- Hatice Sultan 25. Istanbul Aquarium
- Istanbul Modern Art Museum
- Istanbul City Walls
- Istiklal Street
- Istinye
- Kamondo Stairs
- Grand Bazaar
- Karaköy
- Kariye Mosque
- Kilyos
- Küçük Ayasofya Mosque
- Küçükçekmece Lake
- Malta Pavilion, Beltur
- Miniatürk
- Spice Bazaar
- Molla Zeyrek Mosque
- Nuruosmaniye Mosque
- Ortaköy
- Pierre Loti Hill Tourist Facilities
- Rumeli Fortress
- Rüstem Pasha Mosque
- Sait Halim Pasha Mansion
- Sarayburnu
- Sirkeci Train Station
- Süleymaniye Mosque and Süleymaniye Hamam
- Sultanahmet Mosque
- Sultanahmet Square
- Taksim Square
- Vialand Theme Park
- New Mosque
- Basilica Cistern
- Yıldız Park and Palace